“The truck was stopped at Bronkhorstspruit. On being approached, the driver fled the scene and the truck and its consignment was detained,” Sars said.
It added that the truck and its content were moved to a secure Sars facility, pending an investigation.
Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the smuggling of the cigarettes displaces legitimate manufactures and affect taxes and the country’s fiscus.
“The country is battling the scourge of illicit cigarettes, smuggled from a neighbouring country, with a view to not only displace legitimate manufacturers but to also deprive fiscus of all taxes due,” said Kieswetter.
“The message to crooks engaged in this criminal enterprise is that we will not tire to confront and deal with them decisively. The clarion call is, comply or face the consequences,” he added.
He further thanked the individual that reported the matter to law enforcement authorities that ultimately led to the impounding of the truck.